Tag Archives: Trail Community

The Ice Age Trail Alliance supporters, staff, and community members had lots to celebrate August 8-12 during our Ice Age Trail Days.

Ice Age Trail Alliance founder, Ray Zillmer.

Beginning with the dream of a single individual, Ray Zillmer who, in 1958, envisioned the Ice Age Trail and established what would become the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Fast forward 60 years and the Ice Age Trail is one of only eleven National Scenic Trails in the United States and the Alliance its strongest advocate. Continue reading →

It’s official! Luke Kloberdanz, Director of Outreach and Education for the Ice Age Trail Alliance, looks on as Greg Buckley, Two Rivers City Manager, and Justin Nickels, Manitowoc Mayor, cut the ribbon designating their cities as official Trail Communities. These attractive signs will grace the entrances to each city. Photo by Dolly McNulty.

Manitowoc and Two Rivers, we’re thrilled to have you join the Ice Age Trail Community family!

Hikers! Take a look at our Trail Communities for ways to appreciate the towns you’re hiking through. The Manitowoc and Two Rivers area have the only segments of Trail that put your toes into Lake Michigan waters. You’ll find maps of the Trail (and area segments) making it easy for you to follow the path as it winds through each city. There’s plenty of suggestions, too, for how to extend your stay in a fun and memorable way. Oh, and don’t forget to hit the Washington House for an ice cream sundae. After all, the first sundae in the world was made there!

In 2017 the Village of Cross Plains became one of eight Ice Age Trail Communities. This designation is more than a sign on the highway and a ribbon cutting. It is an invitation to use the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to celebrate the local culture, history, landscape, and businesses.

This July 14 and 15 the Village, in collaboration with the Cross Plains Chamber of Commerce, and the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Dane County Chapter, will be taking up the invitation to celebrate! Continue reading →

The Village of Cross Plains is the most recent addition to the Ice Age Trail Community roster.

As the home of the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Cross Plains holds a special place in the hearts of Trail users from far and wide. “The Ice Age Trail Alliance is thrilled to add Cross Plains as a Trail Community,” states Mike Wollmer, Executive Director and CEO. “We are proud members of this community and look forward to increasing our impact and involvement here.”

Event Details:

To celebrate this designation the Alliance, the Village of Cross Plains, and the Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to throw a designation party on Friday, June 10th from 3pm – 7pm.

All activities, including guided hikes and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, will start at the Ice Age Trail Alliance office, 2110 Main Street in Cross Plains.

Refreshments will be served while supplies last. Additional food and beverages will also be available for purchase at area eating establishments, so come out and support this fine Trail Community.

The Alliance is excited to highlight this designation to its 3,600 members, inviting them to experience the vitality and enthusiasm of a Trail Community celebration.

Come out and join the FUN!

Follow the “Ice Age Trail Event” signs and there is ample parking at Kalscheur Dodge-Chrysler near the crossing of Hwy P and Hwy 14.

Schedule of Events:

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: TBD

Guided Hikes: Hikes start at 3:30 pm from the Alliance parking lot.

Music: Band TBA, music begins at 6pm in the Alliance parking lot and at Crossroads Coffee.

About the Event:

When complete, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail will cross approximately 132 communities in 31 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. Along the way, the Trail takes users to some of the best glacial features in the world, provides opportunities for personal rejuvenation, is an outdoor classroom, and is an economic resource for communities. These assets make the Ice Age Trail a welcome addition to many communities ranging from small roadside stops to bustling metropolises.

The Ice Age Trail Alliance has established the Ice Age Trail Community program, designed to help communities leverage the Trail as an economic and social engine, while promoting the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to community members and visitors alike. Commitment to this program represents an agreement to cross promote one another, building healthy and vibrant communities.

The Ice Age Trail, one of only eleven National Scenic Trails, is a thousand-mile footpath highlighting Wisconsin’s world-renowned Ice Age heritage and natural resources.

The Ice Age Trail Alliance is a non-profit volunteer and member-based organization established in 1958 that works to create, support, and protect the Ice Age Trail. Visit www.iceagetrail.org for hiking information and volunteer opportunities.